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Victim-Offender Reconciliation Programs in North America: An Assessment

Coates, Robert B
June 4, 2015

Source: (1990) In: B. Galaway and J. Hudson (eds.), Criminal Justice, Restitution, and Reconciliation. Monsey, NY: Criminal Justice Press, pp. 125-134.

A review of the Victim-Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) concept originated in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1974 and was transported to the United States in 1978. VORP programs now function in 20 states and 5 countries. The program involves a face-to-face meeting between the offender and victim to discuss the victimization, express feelings and views, and to negotiate actions the offender can take to make redress to the victim. Limited data are presented regarding VORP operations. Evidence as to whether VORP serves as an alternative to incarceration is mixed and additional outcome studies are needed.

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